Way back when, I easily brought my parakeet from Hawaii to Norway, and so when we bought O'Lime, we assumed when we eventually were able to move to Norway it would be a sinch. Sure, there'd be paperwork and phone-calls to be made to ensure we had all the bases covered, and it would cost a bit, but we were ready for that.
However, after investigating, researching, and making many a phone-call we have realized it is not feasible to bring O'Lime with us to Norway. We blame it mostly on SARS.
Most airlines now do not allow birds in cargo (let alone cabin). Many countries don't let birds (or animals in general) to either enter, leave, or both (even when it is just a layover). For example, birds can enter China but cannot leave, and they can leave Hong Kong but cannot enter. We had gotten to the point where we thought we had found a potential route - that wouldn't completely break the bank (our tickets would be more expensive as well...but not double at least), just had to check with the two airports (countries) we'd be layovering in to see if they let birds pass through and what documentation they'd require.
We'd still be nervous about it all though, because there'd be so many switch-points on the trip (airlines, countries) where all it would take is one person saying 'Sorry, no can do', and then O'Lime would be dead. Literally.
Then we found out by accident that Taiwan has tightened the entry-rules for animals, so it would be even more difficult to bring him back, if it were at all possible even.
It just all seems too risky for us. So we have made the terribly terrible decision to find him an adoptive home. Just writing that drives a nail into my heart and makes me cry.
Just a bird you say? (OK, so maybe you don't say that, because you know me and/or have pets you love, but let's pretend you do say). A little story to put it in perspective for you. Up until I was at least 12 years old (perhaps even older) I was the kid who'd line up all her stuffed animals along her pillow at night, put some of her blanket over them, and myself sleep teetering on the edge of the bed - rather than have them on the outside where they'd maybe fall off.
So you can imagine the amount of my heart that lands on my pets.
I've decided through this experience that there are no more pet-purchases for us in the near future. Not until we have plans of staying somewhere long enough that the pet could grow old and pass on naturally can we consider it again - in which case most likely we'd have to adopt an adult or old pet just to be on the safe side.
Suckage. Big time.
O'Lime
who loves to chatter against any surface for the rebound sound
who loves to take a bath in trickling water in our hands
who loves to try and eat anything we are eating
who loves to sit right in front of our mouth when we talk
who loves to throw money and bells around
who loves to hang on the back of the stand-up fan and whistle into it to get choppy sound
who loves to hang on the back of the stand-up fan and whistle into it to get choppy sound
who loves to whistle my tunes and to say 'stupid bird' and 'hello my little sweet'
who loves to sit on my laptop and hang out with me
who loves me and who I love
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